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ISFM to launch feline endocrinology course
Hyperthyroidism and diabetes mellitus are common in middle-aged and older cats.
The online course will be available from 26 April.

The International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM) is launching a new online course on feline endocrinology for veterinary surgeons.

Written by Dr Sam Taylor, head of veterinary specialists at ISFM, the course uses examples from real cases to help veterinary surgeons practically apply endocrine theory in a clinical practice setting.

Endocrinopathies, especially hyperthyroidism and diabetes mellitus, are commonly seen in middle-aged and older cats. Although many of the cases a veterinary surgeon sees can be simple, some are difficult to diagnose and manage.

ISFM is the veterinary division of the charity International Cat Care, which exists to improve knowledge about cat health and welfare and increase the standard of treatment around the world.

Dr Taylor said: “We have used real cases and real test results and I have been honest about the limitations and challenges of treating some cases of diabetes mellitus and hyperthyroidism. The cases follow the twists and turns of real-life feline medicine cases, not just those that follow the textbook!

“In the course, we have all the theory you need, but I know I always remember things better when applied to a case rather than in a load of text. I hope we have covered the tricky and the straightforward of diabetes and hyperthyroidism, but in a holistic way, thinking about cat friendly interactions with the cats, comorbidities and things like adverse effects and complications – so really warts and all!”

The course will be available from 26 April 2023.

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Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NSA webinar explores sheep tailing and castration

The National Sheep Association (NSA) is to host a free webinar on the castration and tail docking of lambs.

The webinar, 'Understanding the tailing and castration consultation: A guide for sheep farmers', will be hosted online on Monday, 2 March 2026 at 7.30pm.

It comes during a government consultation into the methods used for these procedures. Farmers are encouraged to engage before the consultation period closes on Monday, 9 March 2026.

The webinar offers clear and actionable guidance to support farmers to contribute meaningfully to the consultation and prepare for potential changes.

On the panel will be former SVS president Kate Hovers, farmer and vet Ann Van Eetvelt and SRUC professor in Animal Health and Veterinary Sciences Cathy Dwyer. Each panel member will utilise their own specialism and expertise to evaluate risks and outcomes to sheep farming.

Find out more about the webinar on the NSA website.